Austin Reaves has become next to irreplaceable to the Los Angeles Lakers, and the reasoning for that is quite simple. No one can truly thrive, no matter the circumstances, in the way that the 27-year-old has proven capable of with this franchise.
Reaves has predominantly been a third option in recent years. The talented offensive guard has thrived as a bucket-getter behind his two superstars. Whether it be LeBron James and Anthony Davis, or Luka Doncic and LeBron, it did not get in the way of Reaves performing at a high level.
The undrafted star has been asked to support Doncic as the second option while James was away due to his sciatica injury. Reaves succeeded in that role, and had fun doing it too. The chemistry in the backcourt between both electric offensive engines was clear as a sunny day in Los Angeles.
Reaves has even gotten his moments of leading the charge for the Lakers offense as its number one option. Somehow, someway, there was no letup in those responsibilities either. Reaves has thrived over and over, and it has quickly elevated his importance among the Lakers right to the top.
Lakers cannot replace the value that Austin Reaves brings every night
Reaves has become the ultimate company man in Los Angeles. It really does seem that anything and everything that JJ Redick asks of him, the Lakers guard hits him back with a 'you got it boss' and proceeds to deliver above the wildest of expectations.
According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Redick spent the summer encouraging his soon-to-be free agent guard. The Lakers coach told Reaves to want more.
"The biggest thing was him taking a step forward as a leader and recognizing that it's as much his team as it is LeBron's team or Luka's team," Redick told ESPN. "I told him, he's out of excuses. You're no longer the undrafted guy who's a young player. You're one of the guys now."
Reaves told McMenamin and his outlet that Redick pulled him in and told him that while everything was not on him, there was an expectation of taking control and being a leader with the Lakers. There is no doubt in anyone's mind those pressures have been met with results.
Long gone are the days of Reaves being involved in mock trades and hypotheticals. Right now, the Lakers are hoping they can cling onto him for as long as possible to ensure steady success in Los Angeles.